Sparrow Ionia to offer PET Scans for cancer, heart patients

Published: Sept. 22, 2020

IONIA, MI – Patients in the Ionia County area now have access to technology at Sparrow Ionia Hospital that can assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cancer, heart disease, and other ailments.

Sparrow Ionia now offers PET/CT scans to patients on a weekly basis. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is combined with Computed Tomography (CT) to provide a multi-dimensional image and specific information about how organs and cells are functioning. Cancer patients benefit greatly from these scans as it allows doctors to detect the disease and track its progression.

“When you are faced with a cancer diagnosis, you want to be sure you have access to the services you need to make the best decision possible about treatment. Caregivers are trained to perform and interpret the exams, and do so with caring and compassion,” stated Linda Reetz, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-C, President, Sparrow Ionia Hospital. “Patients now no longer need to travel outside of Ionia County to have a PET scan. We are pleased to offer this as part of our diagnostic services, close to home.”

PET/CT scans are also useful for several other medical disciplines, such as cardiology and urology.

“The ability to offer PET scans at Sparrow Ionia Hospital is a great addition to our other diagnostic imaging services, particularly for our oncology patients,” said Blain Pierce, Sparrow Ionia Diagnostic Imaging Manager. “As a diagnostic tool, it provides precise information to help patients and their physicians determine the next best step in treatment.”

Patients should ask their physicians for a referral to Sparrow Ionia if a PET scan is needed.

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Sparrow Ionia Hospital is a subsidiary of Sparrow Health System. As Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization, Sparrow includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia, and St. Johns, as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.